Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a 5-week hiatus and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9.

Photo: The Chronicle

Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a...

Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a... Photo-6790652.92558 - SFGate

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Aldon Smith pressures Aaron Rogers who tries to throw a shuffle pass in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Green Bay Packers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif, on Sunday, September 8, 2013.

Aldon Smith (99) enjoys a light moment on the bench as the game winds down Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle.

Photo: The Chronicle

Aldon Smith (99) enjoys a light moment on the bench as the game...

Aldon Smith (99) enjoys a light moment on the bench as the game... Photo-6790654.92558 - SFGate

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Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La.

Aldon Smith salutes the crowd after sacking Cardinals quarterback John Skelton in at University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday October 29th, 2012. San Francisco defeated Arizona 24-3.
By ANDY DELISLE/SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE